OMAHA (DTN) -- The controversial waters of the United States rule continues to reflect a lack of clarity when it comes to agricultural exemptions and the relationship USDA will play in helping producers avoid needing permits and other regulatory demands.

Robert Bonnie, USDA's undersecretary for Natural Resources and Environment, testified Thursday before the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy and Forestry in a contentious hearing in which House members from both parties criticized the perceived federal "land grab."

EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers proposed in March to change the way agencies define navigable waters of the U.S. under ...